In search of a better quality of life, fulfilling our dreams to see the world and provide ourselves and young children with invaluable experiences, we sold our home and possessions in London to begin our journey of a lifetime.
Here we will share our tips, stories, successes and failures, not only for our families and friends, but also to assist those who may have similar adventures in mind. We hope also to inspire those who relish the idea of travelling to newer and unfamiliar pastures but do not know how and those who require some evidence it can be done.

05 March 2012

Fort Cochin, India: Who Needs A Washer-Dryer?

WE - or should I say Jamie? - do most, if not all, our washing by hand. I haven't seen a washing machine or dryer since I left the UK.

But that's how it's done in these parts - even for large loads. And if you have ever wondered how hotels etc get their sheets and bedding cleaned, you ought to pay a visit to the local laundrette.

The process is quite simple. Men and women stand in what look like stone booths filled with water and beat the laundry clean - washing, pounding and rinsing several times. It's almost like watching someone having a workout!

The laundry is then hung out to dry in the sun - there are lines and lines of sheets and clothing.

From there the items are folded, awaiting the hot irons, some of which are powered by electricity, but most are fuelled by burning old coconut shells. These black irons each weigh close to 10kgs. The 'ironers', barefoot on planks of thick wood, stand there all day.

The laundry is then neatly folded and stacked ready for collection. The finished product looked as impressive as anything I had seen in a dry cleaners.